Nemipteridae

Nemipteridae, commonly known as threadfin breams, are a family of marine fish in the order Perciformes. These fish are widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting tropical and subtropical waters. They are commercially important for both subsistence and commercial fisheries, and several species are popular in aquariums.

Characteristics

Nemipteridae species are characterized by their elongated bodies, with a deep and compressed head. They have a single, dorsal fin with a distinct notch between the spiny and soft-rayed sections. Most species have prominent barbels on the chin, which are used to detect food. Their scales are ctenoid, meaning they have small, comb-like teeth. Nemipteridae exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns, often with striking hues of red, orange, yellow, and silver.

Environments

Threadfin breams are typically found in coastal waters, often inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows. Some species are known to venture into brackish water, and a few are even found in freshwater environments. These fish are generally found at depths ranging from the surface to several hundred meters.

Diet

Nemipteridae are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming a variety of crustaceans, mollusks, and smaller fish. They use their barbels to locate prey buried in the sediment, and their strong teeth allow them to crush shells and other hard-bodied organisms.

Reproduction

Threadfin breams are oviparous, meaning they reproduce by laying eggs. Spawning typically occurs in shallow, coastal waters, and the eggs are released into the water column. After hatching, the larvae undergo a complex metamorphosis before becoming juveniles.

Classification

The family Nemipteridae is divided into three subfamilies: Nemipterinae, Pentaprioninae, and Monotaxinae. There are approximately 75 species belonging to 14 genera in this family. Some of the most well-known species include the threadfin bream (Nemipterus japonicus), the red bream (Nemipterus virgatus), and the goldband bream (Nemipterus bathybius).

References

* FishBase* National Center for Biotechnology Information* World Register of Marine Species